1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2005 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2005 Subaru Legacy is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 270 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Subaru Legacy (297 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2005 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Lotus | Subaru |
| Model | Esprit | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
